00:00Today is Thursday, August 15, 2024.
00:04NASA to decide on rescue plan for stranded astronauts by end of August, Boeing Starliner
00:10VS.
00:11SpaceX
00:13NASA is set to determine how to safely bring home astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams,
00:19who have been stranded on the International Space Station, ISS, due to a malfunction in
00:24Boeing Starliner spacecraft.
00:27Originally, the astronauts were to spend eight days in space following their June 5 launch
00:32on the first crewed flight of the Starliner.
00:35However, a critical issue with the thrusters has left them stuck aboard the ISS.
00:41The thrusters, essential for controlling the capsule�s position during descent, have
00:46presented challenges that NASA�s engineers are still analyzing.
00:51With time running short, Ken Bowersox, NASA�s associate administrator of space operations
00:57mission directorate, stated in a recent news conference that the agency must make a decision
01:02by the end of August.
01:04Russ Deloach, NASA�s safety chief, highlighted the complexity of the situation, noting that
01:10the lack of sufficient data prevents a straightforward resolution.
01:14NASA is currently weighing the option of using SpaceX�s spacecraft as an alternative.
01:20If chosen, SpaceX might launch their Crew-9 mission on Sept. 24 with only two astronauts
01:27instead of the usual four.
01:29This critical decision will determine whether NASA opts for a return trip on the ailing
01:33Starliner or shifts to SpaceX�s reliable transport, ensuring the safe return of Wilmore
01:39and Williams.
Comments